block caving

block caving

[′bläk ‚kāv·iŋ]

(mining engineering)

A method of caving where a block, 150-250 feet (46-77 meters) on a side and several hundred feet high, is induced to cave in after it is undercut; the broken ore is drawn off at a bell-shaped draw point.

Such extraordinary cost projections result from the favorable ore characteristics of the gold-bearing conglomerate that allow for extremely inexpensive, high-volume block caving mining techniques, and the cost-effective use of conveyors for ore delivery and waste impoundment.

The Company believes that this increased capacity, coupled with averaging in ore from the higher grade pay streaks through its block caving operation, will result in a substantial increase in revenue toward the end of the fourth quarter of 2002.

The first two holes in this year's program also encountered a copper zone higher up in the section which could convert waste to ore in Mitchell open pit scenarios which are planned to precede underground block caving.

Selection of preferred mining methods tended towards non-entry methods such as block caving and sublevel caving, allowing high levels of automation, control and monitoring, thereby minimising the number of people required to work in potentially hazardous conditions.

The Deep Kerr opportunity is enhanced by its accessibility from the Sulphurets valley floor by way of an inclined tunnel, raising the potential for a lower cost block caving option which would also have significant environmental benefits.

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